The fact that Taylor Gardner-Hickman has emerged as a valuable utility player is only one of the numerous elements
that have contributed to Birmingham City’s successful League One season debut.
After Jordan James left, Stourbridge-born Gardner-Hickman, who gained recognition with West Bromwich Albion,
his neighbors, was brought in on loan from Bristol City to expand Chris Davies’ midfield options. With Paik Seung-
ho and Tomoki Iwata forcing the gifted Marc Leonard into a watching brief and the Blues’ engine room being so
strong, many questioned how frequently Gardner-Hickman would play in early September.
The fact that Taylor Gardner-Hickman has emerged as a valuable utility player is only one of the numerous elements
that have contributed to Birmingham City’s successful League One season debut.
After Jordan James left, Stourbridge-born Gardner-Hickman, who gained recognition with West Bromwich Albion,
his neighbors, was brought in on loan from Bristol City to expand Chris Davies’ midfield options. With Paik Seung-
ho and Tomoki Iwata forcing the gifted Marc Leonard into a watching brief and the Blues’ engine room being so
strong, many questioned how frequently Gardner-Hickman would play in early September.
In order to provide Blues an extra body in the position he knows best, he has occasionally slid into midfield, although
his high and wide style of play fits the system and is how Laird plays the role.
Because of his versatility, Gardner-Hickman didn’t have to worry about getting lost amid the Blues’ incredibly
talented third division team. This season, Gardner-Hickman has already logged over 800 minutes with the Blues.
Gardner-Hickman is a talent that every team needs, and like many of the Blues’ summer acquisitions, he has the
potential to develop with the team. Gardner-Hickman has already made 95 appearances in the Championship, and
the evidence suggests that he should wear the Blues’ colors for his century.
Blues have an option to sign Gardner-Hickman from Bristol City permanently and he has already said his goodbyes
to his parent club. Posting a message to Robins fans after sealing his switch to St Andrew’s in August, Gardner-
Hickman said: “It has been a pleasure and an honour to have played for this amazing club, with even better people
inside. Thank you to everyone who made me feel so welcomed at this football club and the staff, players and fans who
has helped me during my time. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to play and create memories in front of you
robins and for this Club. I wish everyone at Bristol City all the best for the future. Thank you Robins.”
That seems quite final and Gardner-Hickman has done nothing to suggest Blues shouldn’t take up their option. They
could even do it in January to remove an element of uncertainty going into the end-of-season run in.
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